For many years now timeshares have been a booming industry in the travel and vacation market. The idea behind them is that you can buy 1 to 4 weeks per year of a timeshare. You become an owner with a title that is transferable to your heirs. It can be sold or held indefinitely. Most time shares come with an option to buy into a travel club that lets you trade your weeks where you purchased for weeks at comparable destinations elsewhere in the United States or world. This option normally requires the payment of an annual fee to stay with the travel club.
If you believe that you will prefer vacations in a timeshare over motel or hotel rooms, then this may be a good option for you. Once you pay for the timeshare, you can stay during your weeks for free each year. An annual maintenance fee is charged to pay for upkeep of the property. If you stay in upscale accommodations, the fee will be considerably less than hotel costs. If you stay in low end establishments, then the fee will be more than your vacations would cost without the timeshare.
You really need to buy the travel club option to get maximum use from your timeshare unless you plan on only vacationing at the same place for the next 20 or so years. Don’t buy a timeshare if you haven’t purchased a house or property to build on at retirement. You need to take care of permanent living quarters before committing to tens of thousands of dollars for a good timeshare.
Buy a timeshare when you are sure that the annual fees along with the payments are not going to sink your financial ship. The argument here is that even if these costs are only equal to your vacation costs, you have to pay them, but you don’t have to take a big vacation is money is tight. In fact, if you can’t pay cash or pay off the property within a couple of years, don’t buy it. The risk for buying an optional purchase is too great.
Before you buy into a timeshare, explore the option of buying one directly from a current owner. If they have owned it for a few years, you may be able to buy it for a significant discount and still give them what they paid for it or maybe a little more. Everyone will be happy. Also, check to see how many owners are trying to sell. If too many are trying to unload the timeshare you’re looking into, it’s not a good sign of good value.
Don’t buy a timeshare when you are being pressured. They may tell you today or not at all for a certain priced offering. This is rarely true. If they can offer it today, they can offer it tomorrow or a week from now. If they can’t, you probably don’t want to do business there anyway.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Let’s look at the available options:
Online with your airline reservation
Online form directly with the hotel
Phone call or email to the hotel
Your local travel agent
Online form with an in-country booking agent
If you book your flight online with a company like Expedia or Travelocity, you will be given the option to add a hotel to your airfare. The prices are usually outrageous and the hotels listed are at the very high end.
Booking directly from the hotel online is a good option if the hotel has an online booking form and it is secure. Check for the little lock at the bottom of your Internet browser.
Phone calls to overseas locations can be expensive and there is no guarantee of an English-speaking receptionist. Even if you make the booking over the phone, there is no guarantee in writing that your room will be waiting for you.
Booking via email can be dangerous if the hotel requires credit card information since your email is not secure.
Your local travel agent may or may not know the current situation or prices in Thailand. Hotels in Thailand have different rates during different times of the year. Prices are greatly reduced during low season and can be much more expensive during high season. There may also be additional fees during Christmas and New Years. Your local agent may not know all of these details.
Booking through an online agent actually located in Thailand is your best bet. They will have access to many more hotels in all price ranges and all locations. They will also be privy to specials and promotions that may not be published outside the country. Also, they will speak both Thai and English, have a secure server for orders, and respond promptly to your enquiries. Their web sites will also publish reviews of the hotels.
Do your homework, check the prices directly at the hotel’s web site, and then visit one of the many in-country online hotel-booking sites. Ensure that the site is secure, find a hotel in your price range and vacation spot, and book your room the easy and safe way.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
A tour of Torrevieja is like a step into the past but with all the luxuries of the modern day. The city gives way to sandy white beaches and a warm sea, but the crowning jewel of Torrevieja sightseeing is the old town itself.
Old Town Torrevieja
Torevieja is named literally for an old tower that became popular with tourists as far back at the early 1800s. It was here that the salt industry made its home. Torevieja is still known for its fishing, harbour and salt industry, but also its wonderful old tower.
Along with the tower, many tourists are enamoured by La Immaculata Conception Church. There is also the museum of sea and salt and the fish market, where fish on occasion are actually auctioned off!
The harbour provides a scenic and relaxing place to stroll along the water, just up from the sandy beaches. This palm lined walkway wraps around the city for the perfect walking distance.
Whatever tours you take around Torrevieja you will find guides who speak both Spanish and Valencian. Also, you can find English speaking tours of the more popular attractions.
For the Adventurer
If you enjoy the outdoors there is plenty of Torrevieja sightseeing for you. The mountains are a short distance away and provide hiking and spectacular views of the sea. Several sandy beaches are encircled by apartments and hotels, but this just makes getting to them that much easier. There is also a choice of rocky beaches or pebbled beaches if you like climbing and exploring by the sea.
Torrevieja is located on the southern part of the Costa Blanca. It has two salt lakes and the sea, making it the salt industry centre it has become. To the north is the Alicante airport and the cities of Javea, Santa Pola, and Benidorm. Just west of Torrevieja is Murcla. All around the region there are golf courses and other activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
If you are travelling with the family, Torrevieja is just a short distance from some of Spain’s most exciting amusement parks. The Aqua Park is located in town and is an indoor swimming pool. Here you can enjoy swimming year round no matter what the weather has in store.
Nightlife in Torreveija
After a relaxing day of sun and sand or a mountain adventure it is time for some nightlife. Torreveija has entertainment of every kind for all types of people and interests. There is everything from the fast beat of the discos and bars to watching quiet sunsets at the marina.
Each evening in the summer there is a street market. You can walk along the street and shop for clothes, trinkets and any kind of souvenir imaginable.
Local fiestas are held throughout the year and boast the cultural climate of the city and region. Depending on the time of year you travel there is the fiesta of the three wise men, held in January, the San Juan fiesta in June, and the Virgen de Carmen festival each July. Dates are published in the daily newspapers. One of the most well-known festivals is the Habaneras music festival. It started in the 1800s as a celebration of the relationship between La Habana in Cuba to Torrevieja. It has been held every year since.
Finally, what would sightseeing being without a little tasting going on? Local food includes fresh fish and rice stews, but there are restaurants offering food choices from around the region and the world.
When sightseeing in Torrevieja, there is literally something for every member of the family to enjoy. Singles, gays, couples, and families will find relaxation and excitement indoors or out.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Everyone loves beach holidays! The little ones can dig in the sand and splash in the lapping waves. The older ones can swim, get a tan, or just relax. The inquisitive types can explore for sea life, tide pools, and drift wood. The warm breezes and natural beauty are invigorating and restorative. Any trip, however, can cause discomfort if you do not plan well. Here are things you can do to make your beach holidays easier, safer, and more meaningful.
In many parts of the world, people head for their beach holidays in the family car. When planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to give the car a good cleaning out first. This will give you more room for your luggage. Stock you glovebox, too, with a few first aid and comfort items, such as sunblock, acetominiphen for headaches, a roll of antacids, a few cough drops, and a few bandaids. Don’t forget a couple of scrunchies or pony-tailers for long hair. Get the tires checked and replace any that are likely to go flat. Get an oil change if it’s getting close. Road trips are not much fun when they include breakdowns. And whatever you do, make sure you have a map and a place to keep it handy.
Travelling with kids is always a challenge. They may be particularly excited and impatient when they know they are going on beach holidays. Make sure they have cool water bottles and healthy snacks to munch. Try a simple car game to make the time pass. Many kids like looking for letters of the alphabet on signs. If several people get involved it can be quite fun.
With beach holidays particularly, there is always a need to provide for skin safety. Be particularly careful about being in the sun for long stretches of time between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Use a sunblock with a high SPF rating and replace it after getting wet or drying off with your towel. The towel you choose can make a difference too. Thick towels get heavy and tend to trap a lot of sand. You may find you like thin towels at the beach. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and some sort of foot protection to keep your feet from being burned on the hot sand.
With a little preparation your beach holidays can be enjoyable and problem-free. When you arrive home you will be relaxed, refreshed, and ready for work. Take a minute to unpack and get your laundry going. It won’t belong until the kids will be shouting, “When can we go on beach holidays again?”
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
When planning a Spain vacation, one of the wonderful aspects for you to look forward to is the choice that you’ll have when it comes down to attractions and entertainment. Not only that, spending your holidays in and travelling through Spain is very rewarding, allowing you to enjoy much vivid Spanish culture, near perfect weather, a full history, and abundant beauty in the surroundings. Yes, I know that this sounds like the ideal vacation. It very well just may be.
Spain has become a popular place for people to spend their holidays, or vacations, depending where your from simply because of the diverse culture and exciting experience. The county gives you many great choices between areas like the Costa Blanca, The Costa Del Sol, and other towns in between such as Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm, Granada, Madrid of course, and Murcia. These all offer such an wide diversity of attractions, beaches to relax, entertainment for both couples and the entire family, as well a historical sights that will influence your life.
There are so many different and unique places to visit in Spain that you’ll surely have no trouble finding the one that a perfect fit for you and your travelling companions.
The towns allow for much history in the form of museums, historical monuments all throughtout, and beautiful structures that show off the architecture of the land. Not only that but it’s consistently easy to find rich Spanish culture of this country, which hosts many exciting festivals and events throughout the year, which will allow you to learn about the different ways of life and the local traditions.
Of course a vacation is hardly a vacation without being able to soak up the rays and enjoy relaxing times on the beach, and Spain definitely offers no shortage of these areas. You’ll find a huge array of forms of entertainment, as well as a hopping nightlife, and recreational activities such as golf and surfing. This is why Spain is nearly the perfect place to find nearly anything that you could be looking for.
Price, and finding deals is always a concern considering that the more money that you save on airfare and hotel, is more money that you can enjoy as spending money while you’re on your vacation. So finding those deals on flights and hotel is not that hard, especially these days with the Internet as a tool. Not only are flights, and hotels a part of your considerations, you’ll also be thinking about insurance, as well as car rental and car services. All of these can be done on the cheap if you do your homework correctly, which often times means getting a professional to help you.
Be sure to look for package deals that bundle all of these things together, which will eliminate much of the running around and hassle that you often are faced with when planning a vacation.
Either way, no matter which part of Spain you choose to visit, odds are that you’ll soon be going back to experience this country again and again.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
There are more ways to travel Spain in style than simply coming for a summer vacation. There is much to do in all of the seasons. You can enjoy a variety of attractions and create experiences throughout the whole year. If you’re a nature lover then you’ll enjoy the endless opportunities for different water sports such as skiing, or more rugged activities like rock climbing. As well, visiting many of the older churches, museums, and enjoying the various festivals that let you get a first hand look at Spanish culture will leave you with a photo album as well as mental memories of a spectacular vacation.
Outdoor activities in Spain are not confined only to the summer time. It really depends on the area that you’re visiting, but all the seasons gives you something to offer for the outdoor life.
Of course everyone loves the beaches and being under the sun on the Mediterranean, and this shows by the large but friendly crowds that accumulate in these beach areas. These areas include both the Costa del Sol as well as the Costa Blanca. You can simply lie by the beach and relax or you can get your kicks with water sports during the summer. This is when the weather is at it’s hottest. You can also enjoy any number of spas in these areas that make for the perfect relaxing vacation.
Another very popular attractions during the summer months is the running of the bulls. This occurs in the month of July and attracts huge amounts of people from all over the globe. If you’re one of the braver soles you can even participate in the festival. If not, then simply be a smart spectator and watch, while you join in other activities that occur during the festival.
You may not realize it but skiing is a popular activity in the mountain areas of Spain. Some of the chief resorts for winter sporting events take place in the country. You can find great ski resorts in Torremolinos, Aragon, Malaga, and Catabunya. The sport is usually enjoyed during the winter or in late spring in the various areas.
If you’re of the more adventurous type then you can enjoy the great outdoor activity of rock climbing or simply enjoy a nice hike. There are some great places in Spain for these activities in the country that are revered for exactly this. You can either go with a tour group, which is advised for novice climbers since they will give you some good basic training before you begin.
If you enjoy the more relaxed sport of sightseeing then there’s no shortage of museums all over the different cities of Spain. Some of the larger are in Barcelona and Madrid, while you can find many smaller ones throughout Spain’s smaller villages and cities, which showcase the rich history and art of past residents and historical figures.
Bottom line, you’ll find no shortage of activities for your vacation no matter where or when you’re planning your vacation in Spain.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Barcelona is the capital of Catalunya, one of the richest and most fiercely independent regions in Spain. Catalan people speak their own language and many do not believe themselves to be Spanish. The golden age of Catalunya was around the twelfth to fourteenth centuries, when Barcelona was the centre of the great seafaring empire of Aragon. In addition to Barcelona, Catalunya is made up of the cities of Lleida, Girona and Tarragona, and the long Costa Brava, stretching from the French border to Valencia.
Barcelona has become a real tourist trap for the fantastic mixture of activities on offer there. Its coastal location attracts sun worshipers who enjoy the beach front resorts along the coast, as well as the vibrant nightlife of the city centre. The cultural and historical delights of the town appeal to the sightseer, visiting for a long weekend, and the more active will love hiking in the nearby mountains, where skiing can be found in winter.
The most famous symbol of Barcelona and one sight that all holidaymakers want to visit is Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia. Even those that have not visited the city will be familiar with the dripping wax image of the main faŠ·ade. The famous architect began work on this church in 1882, however the task took a long time as the building work relied on donations, and it had not been completed in 1926 when Gaudi was struck by a train and died. Work has since recommenced on the church and much has been added since Gaudi’s death, but there is speculation as to whether the building will ever be completely finished, or in fact whether it really should be.
You can pay to go up inside one of the towers, of which there are now eight, each one over one hundred meters high. The initial design was meant to incorporate eighteen towers, one for each of the twelve apostles, four for the Evangelists, and one each for Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
Other piece of Gaudi’s work can be seen all over the city. You will want to pull the Park Guell, La Pedrera and the Mila house into your itinerary if you possibly can.
You can get detailed information about the sights of Barcelona before you go from your travel agent, the internet, or the tourist information office in Barcelona’s main square once you get there. Make sure you pick up a map showing all the main sights as well as the major stores, restaurants and hotels. Also consider going on a bus tour of the city. It is a great way to get your bearings in a very busy and crowded city, and give you an idea of the distance between places of interest. Talk to your guide, they may be able to give you local information about great eating places and temporary exhibitions that will not be marked on your map. You will never get bored in Barcelona; your only concern will be how to fit in everything you want to see.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
There is a lot to do in Malaga, Spain. This Malaga city overview should help you sort your way through the many attractions and sightseeing opportunities to help you plan your holiday and create a fun and exciting itinerary for you time in Malaga.
Malaga is located on one of Spain’s seventeen most beautiful regions, the Costa del Sol. Malaga is the second largest city in Andalucia and is known for its wine, fresh seafood and great weather. Another added bonus when visiting Malaga is the convenience of reaching the city, as the Malaga airport offers discount flights from multiple airline carriers.
There are several museums in Malaga allowing you to enjoy this region’s art, history and culture. The Picasso Museum is one of its most famous museums and honors the famous artist, Pablo Picasso, celebrating his life and work. Picasso was born in Malaga, and the home in which he was born is actually not far from the museum. This home is now home to the Picasso Foundation. Two museums are located on the premises of the Alcazaba Castle. The Archaeological Museum has on display a variety of Greek and Gothic artifacts. The Museu de la Ceramica displays pottery from a variety of historical periods and, as its name suggests, is dedicated to ceramics and pottery. Also on the grounds of the Alcazaba Castle is a Roman theater from the first century. Finally, the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions, the city museum, contains a variety of art from local artists of different periods as well as modern art. This is, especially, an enjoyable visit for the art lover. It is located in the older part of Malaga.
Another attraction worth seeing is the Cathedral. It is one of the best known buildings in Malaga. This site was originally home to a mosque. Construction on the Cathedral began in 1528, but was stopped in 1783 due to a lack of funding. During these centuries, construction was on and off and, actually, the south tower is still not complete. During your visit, you will be able to observe the many different architecture styles in this building.
The market area is great for shopping, eating and enjoying the city’s night life. There are also many restaurants in the area surrounding the city’s market. Fresh seafood is always on a Malaga menu. If you hope to enjoy some night life during your vacation, this is where you will find it as this area has become home to several bars.
Finally, the harbor is also a popular part of town. There is a nice park near the harbor where you can relax and take an enjoyable walk, and enjoy a beautiful view
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Have you recently booked a stay at a Maui vacation rental? Whether your next trip to Maui is intended to be a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a trip with a group of your friends, you will likely want to get out and explore all that this beautiful Hawaiian Island has to offer. The good news is that there are no shortage of activities for you to participate in and attractions for you to visit on the island of Maui.
Before focusing on a few of the many Maui activities you can enjoy or the Maui attractions that you can visit, it is first important to take location into consideration. Although Maui is relatively small in size, the location of your Maui vacation rental will have a significant impact on the Maui activities you are able to participate in, as well as the Maui attractions you are able to visit. With that in mind, no matter where your Maui vacation rental is located, boredom will be the last thought on your mind.
One of the most popular activities in Maui is that of sailing. If you have a love for the water or would like to experience all that the ocean has to give firsthand, you will want to plan a sailing adventure on your next Maui trip. What is nice about this Maui activity is that you have a number of different options. If you are an experienced sailor, you may be able to rent your own sailboat. If sailing is something new that you would like to experience, you can book a reservation aboard a chartered sailboat, where you are able to sit back and relax.
In keeping with boating, one of the most sought after activities in Maui is that of whale watching. If you are not originally from a coastal location, whale watching in Maui is an experience that you will likely never forget. The only downside to this fun activity is that whale watching is a seasonal activity. With that in mind, you will find that many boating companies and small whale watching cruises take reservations from December to May.
In addition to water and beach related activities in Maui, you will also find a number of fun filled land activities as well. Many tourists highly recommend taking a guided helicopter tour over Maui. These helicopter tours are often affordably priced and well worth every penny. In addition to Maui helicopter tours, you may also enjoy a horseback ride along the coast or a hiking adventure through the beautiful lands of Maui. No matter where your Maui vacation rental is located, you should have a number of national parks and other attractions nearby.
Speaking of national parks and other attractions, you will find that there are number of great attractions for you to visit while on Maui. One of the many Maui attractions you will want to take the time to visit, depending on the location of your Maui vacation rental, is that of the Haleakala National Park. The Haleakala National Park is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano. When exploring the Haleakala National Park, you have the option of doing so by car, foot, or bike.
If your Maui vacation rental is located near Lahaina, you will want to make a stop there. The biggest attraction in Lahaina is the banyan tree. Lahaina is home to one of the world’s largest banyan trees. In addition to visiting this world famous tree, you and your traveling party can also visit the many shops nearby, as well as a number of restaurants, many of which are referred to as fine dining restaurants.
If your Maui vacation rental is located along the southern end of Maui, you will want to visit the island of Molokini. This island is located around three miles out from shore. It is home to a number of great Maui activities, many of which are perfect for adventure vacations, as well as romantic getaways. While on a guided tour to Molokini, you can also enjoy a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure.
As a reminder, the Maui attractions you will be able to visit, as well as the activities that you will be able to participate in will depend heavily on your Maui vacation rental and its location. If you have already booked a Maui vacation rental, you will want to examine nearby activities and attractions.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Something I often find myself getting asked from friends and relatives who know my expertise in the island is what the average Cuban holiday actually involves. This is a question I simultaneously love and hate answering - I love it because it gives me an opportunity to chat at length about a topic I love, but I hate it because if they’ve asked that question it means I’m going to be there for a while. You see, simply put, there is no ‘average’ Cuban holiday, and everyone goes to the island for different reasons and receives a unique experience in return. The experience holiday makers get on their Cuba holidays can be relaxed, cultural, exhausting or breathtaking - but never forgettable.
For a start there’s the accommodation - your ‘average’ Cuba holiday maker will first have to decide whether they want to stay in the lap of luxury in a five star resort, or to opt for the basic but more authentic experience of staying in a private house with a local. Whichever style accommodation you opt for, what you choose to with your days is the next point at which the idea of a stereotypical Cuba holiday shatters: You could choose to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and charming caves at the stunning Vinales Valley, enjoy the open roads and unexplored areas of the island with a hire car (the roads are virtually deserted, as evidenced by the dozens of hitch-hikers) or be that little more active with some horse-riding or diving to discover the wreckages of sunken ships!
Havana is an area I have already written articles about (and no doubt bored those who have asked me to death with my desire to share my enthusiasm) but it really does deserve a mention here for the ample and varied opportunities it provides Cuba holiday makers. Culture vultures will delight in the museums, while music aficionados will be truly taken with the salsa clubs and live jazz that is hard to miss in the city. The big city life gives the capital a real energy, and with a population of around 2,000,000 it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the place, which at times feels an uneasy mix between modern metropolis and 1950s throwback - part of the charm of the place is its seeming fixation of classic cars that you just don’t find (still working) anywhere else in the world! And escaping the big city life is easy - the beautiful white sands of Havana’s beach is just a 30 minute trip away from the town centre.
But a Cuba holiday isn’t just about Havana, and while it would be very easy to spend your whole holiday there and feel you’d taken in so much that you must have seen everything, the truth is that you’d be majorly missing out.
Take Varadero for example - as Cuba’s biggest beach resort with an impressive 12 mile long peninsula, this is the ideal spot for those looking to experiment with water sports or diving on their Cuba holidays. Then there’s Trinidad, which history buffs will delight in: the quant village feels virtually unchanged in 300 years and as a result is positively steeped in history. Or for more recent highlights in the island’s history, who could resist a trip to Santiago de Cuba - cradle of the Cuban revolution and nowadays a luxury spot for foreign visitors to the island?
There are hundreds of ways you could spend your Cuban holidays and I’m really only scratching the surface. Spend your whole time on one activity, or mix and match your hobbies to create a unique Cuban adventure, one thing’s for sure: There’s no such thing as a typical Cuban holiday.
May 4th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments